The people of Essex headed to the polls yesterday and we have brought you unrivaled coverage throughout the night as the results arrived.

With the shadow of Brexit looming large, the NHS in crisis and the economy facing an uncertain future, the outcome of the 2017 general election was set to determine the direction of the UK for the next 50 years.

The contrast between the Conservatives and the Labour Party during the campaign was the most stark it has been since the 1980s, with each offering a vastly different vision of the future of our country.

Theresa May's decision to hold a snap election backfired on her, and voters this morning have woken up to the news that the UK has a hung parliament, after no party achieved a majority.

Essex maintained a Conservative stronghold, with every constituency voting in a Conservative MP.